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Today the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan held a roundtable entitled “Briefing on the Joint Plan of Action 2014 – 2016 for the Implementation of Technical Assistance Activities to Support the Efforts of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in the area of Preventing and Countering Terrorism” at the Vienna International Center, co-organized with the UNODC. Ambassador Ayoob Erfani sat on the panel alongside Mr. Trevor Michael Rajah, Chief of the Terrorism Prevention Branch, and Ms. Dolgor Solongo, Officer in Charge of Implementation Support Section I. Opening the briefing, the Ambassador gave a talk on counterterrorism efforts and achievements in Afghanistan, as well as essential future steps for the country.

Highlighting the importance of combatting the global challenge of terrorism, Ambassador Erfani praised the international community for its support in Afghanistan. Speaking systemically, he pointed out the progress made on national, regional and international levels. With important legislative and institutional achievements made in Afghanistan, strong regional efforts via the Heart of Asia/Istanbul Process, and accession to all relevant conventions and mechanisms, the country is working hard to improve the safety and security situation for the sake of its citizens.

Pointing to the many challenges ahead, the Ambassador commented on the importance of pursuing a comprehensive, integrated and balanced approach in combatting terrorism by addressing relevant socio-economic factors, including the impact of the narcotics trade on funding terrorist activity and the role which women have to play in this arena. The Ambassador expressed the National Unity Government of Afghanistan’s commitment to addressing all the challenges ahead and the support of the Afghan people for these efforts.

Ambassador Erfani was followed by Mr. Trevor Michael Rajah who commented on the achievements of the Joint Plan of Action and stated UNODC’s commitment to continuing to assist Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism. Concluding the presentations, Ms. Dolgor Solongo presented Ambassador Erfani with completed translations of the Financial Action Task Force Recommendations into Dari and Pashto.

In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Erfani thanked the friends and partners of Afghanistan in the audience, and called on the continued support of the international community going forward.